California BrainWaves
"Making a Splash in the Neuro Community!"
Meet Our Team!
California BrainWaves has a Board of Directors, Operations Advisory Board, Neuroscience Advisory Board, Program Leaders, Volunteers.
Some, not all, are featured below:
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Kiera Rain, Founder of Bay Area Professional Organizer, specializing in Neurodivergent Clients
Founder, President of the Board of Directors, Executive Director at California BrainWaves
Kiera Rain founded California BrainWaves after seeing a huge disparity in services for her young son, who is diagnosed with Autism and mental illness. She wanted to ensure supports for her even-younger daughter as well, who has suffered a lot of trauma due to the lack of support, services, and safety during her brother's episodes. The family brainstormed a live/work/learn/play therapeutic resort for Special Needs Families, and started taking action to making it a reality as a nonprofit. California BrainWaves was officially formed in 2022.
Kiera Rain has been self-employed for over 20 years, specializing in the mental and emotional health aspects of disorganization through her business, Bay Area Professional Organizer Co.
Dr. Morgan Hough, graduated University of Oxford, Founder of Center17.org, Co-Founder of Neurofedora, Chapter Lead for NeuroTechX SF, Member of Orthogonal Research and Education Laboratory, Current Lab Member of Cellsius focused on computational biology and cerebral organoids
Neuroscience Advisory Board at California BrainWaves
I am a student (always hopefully) with previous experience in behavioral neurobiology, biophysics, cognitive neuroscience, developmental psychology, machine learning, medical imaging and physics-based medical imaging device development with a focus solely on neuropsychiatric applications of artificial intelligence in biophysics.
I am American but grew up in Edinburgh and London. I can understand French and with practice speak it again. I should be working on my Mandarin.
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Former Staff Research Assistant at Center for Brain Research and Informational Sciences
Former Staff Research Associate at Smith-Kettlewell Eye Research Institute
Former Staff Research Associate at University of California, San Francisco
Former Software Engineering Manager at Electrical Geodesics, Inc.
Former Legislative Aide at Virginia General Assembly
Studied Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at Reed College
Studied Clinical Neurology at University of Oxford
Studied Liberal Arts at St. John's College
Volunteer at NeuroTechX, Fedora, California BrainWaves
Dr. Leighton Hinkley, PhD, Sr Scientist in Biomagnetic Imaging Lab at UCSF, Neuroscientist who studies Neurodevelopmental Disabilities, Teacher of a Research Design Class at Department of Psych at USF
Neuroscience Advisory Board at California BrainWaves
Dr. Hinkley completed his Ph.D. in Psychology at UC Davis, with a background in multi-modal non-invasive neuroimaging, specifically, using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and magnetoencephalography (MEG) to identify the neurophysiological bases of behavior.
He is currently a senior scientist in the Biomagnetic Imaging Lab in the Department of Radiology at UC San Francisco, implementing neuroimaging approaches as a means to understand the neurobiological basis of multiple conditions, including neurodevelopmental disorders. He currently applies multiple imaging techniques (specifically MEG, but also MRI, MRSI, fMRI and TMS) to advance the diagnosis and treatment of multiple neurological and psychiatric disorders. These techniques are often combined with neuromodulation methods (including TMS and DBS) to rehabilitate neurocognitive outcome. He has a deep passion for public education (podcasts, Mythbusters) on neuroscience and how it can be applied to our understanding of conditions like autism spectrum disorders, psychosis and dementia.
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bil.ucsf.edu (Leighton's Lab)
Dr. Patricia L. Gently, MSMHC, PhD, Co-Founder of Bright Insight Support Network, Specializing in Twice-Exceptional (2e) Individuals, Trauma Therapist who specializes in EMDR and Neurodiversity Affirmative Dialectic Therapy (NDA-DT)
Neuroscience Advisory Board at California BrainWaves
Through Bright Insight, Dr. Patty honors the whole person(s) while working to counsel, coach, and advocate for gifted, twice-exceptional (2e), and neurodivergent (ND) persons along with other marginalized populations. Her unique involvement with this community gives her a platform through which Dr. Patty writes, presents, and educates others. As a 2e adult, Dr. Patty is no stranger to topics impacting gifted, 2e, and neurodivergent persons and makes it her mission to connect with others, authentically.
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Outside of her work as a therapist and advocate, Dr. Patty teaches at various universities as an associate professor of psychology. In 2023 she published her research and initial findings about Identity Development (Gear) Theory and her book, Intersection of Intensity: Exploring Giftedness and Trauma was released in 2024. She is also a state chapter leader for Free Mom Hugs, a group of allies supporting the LGBTQIA+ community.
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https://www.brightinsight.support/
Find her book here on Amazon!
Dr. Cris Micheli, PhD in Cognitive Neuroscience, Master's and Bachelor's in Biomedical Engineering, Founder of the start-up Neurorbit, Senior Data Scientist, Business Developer, Neuroscientist: Neuroimaging, BCI/biosignals Research, Co-Organizer of NeuroTechX Toronto, Leader of NeurotechX Berlin, Visiting Professor at Veritas Private University
Neuroscience Advisory Board at California BrainWaves
Dr. Cris Micheli is a seasoned professional whose career spans several key roles, including Senior Data Scientist, Business Developer, and Neuroscientist with a focus on Neuroimaging and BCI/biosignals research. His professional journey is marked by leadership and project management roles, notably as a co-organizer for the NeuroTechX Toronto chapter, where his efforts were instrumental in promoting neurotechnology advancements on both local and international stages. Currently, as the leader of the Berlin chapter of NeuroTechX, Dr. Micheli continues to show his dedication to the growth and development of the neurotechnology community.
Dr. Micheli's experience in brokering investments and facilitating B2B deals within the neurotech ecosystem has already secured a cumulative seven figures cash flow, thereby fostering innovation and encouraging strategic partnerships in this rapidly evolving sector. Moreover, he has a strong record in funded project grant writing, a skill that has proven invaluable in securing financial support for groundbreaking research and initiatives within the field of neurotechnology.
He earned his PhD in Cognitive Neuroscience from the University of Tübingen, Germany, and holds both a Master's and Bachelor's degree in Biomedical Engineering from Politecnico di Milano, Italy. Bringing over 25 years of international experience to his roles, Dr. Micheli's contributions span the academic and industrial spheres of biomedicine. His extensive knowledge, strategic insight, and proven track record in neurotechnology, data science, and grant writing solidify his status as a leading visionary and vital contributor to the industry.
Dr. Micheli also serves as a Visiting Professor at Veritas Private University of Abuja, Nigeria, Faculty of Medical Sciences, and is a member of the Neuroscience Advisory Board of California BrainWaves. He is the CEO and founder of Neurorbit, a NeuroTech and EduTech consulting company based in Berlin, Germany, where he consults in the fields of mental well-being and closed loop systems.
Ruth Miller, Retired Comcast HR Professional with emphasis on employees with disabilities, Former HS Special Education Teacher, Current Nonprofit Volunteer
Ruth Miller, Retired Comcast HR Professional with emphasis on employees with disabilities, Former HS Special Education Teacher, Current Nonprofit Volunteer
Operations Advisory Board at California BrainWaves
After more than 25 years in the Human Resources profession, Ruth retired and has since utilized her knowledge and business skills to assist nonprofit organizations. As well as volunteering with California BrainWaves on the Operations Advisory Board, Ruth supports career seekers at the Career Resource Center in Lake Forest, IL by providing assistance with resume writing, interviewing skills, and guidance in choosing the next career path. Ruth also tutors first and second graders at a charter school in North Chicago, IL through Reading Power. The program enhances reading strategies mixed with the joy of reading to enable youth to read at grade level and beyond.
Ruth began her career as a special education teacher, working with high school children with multiple emotional and behavioral issues. She moved into business and led branch offices for a staffing organization. For 21 years, Ruth worked as an HR Business Partner supporting various teams for Comcast in the Greater Chicago area. While at Comcast, Ruth had the opportunity to be active in the Chicago's Employee Resources Groups. She was the program co-chair for the MyAbilities ERG and organized as well as hosted virtual lunch and learns on various topics that impacted employees with disabilities.
Dr. Douglas L. Major, O.D., Professional Advocate for Incarcerated Youth and Adults with Special Needs
Family Re-Entry Program at California BrainWaves
Doug Major received his Doctor of Optometry from the Southern California College of Optometry in 1985 after completing his undergraduate work at Brigham Young University. While in professional school, he received numerous national awards for his research in the areas of computer-assisted visual skills and visual problems associated with juvenile delinquency. He also authored several published professional articles and lectured before the American Academy of Optometry and many local parent and teacher groups. Dr. Major has a special interest in the area of incarcerated youth and adults with brain and developmental disabilities.
Dane Bunton + Nas Mousavi, Founders of Studio BANAA, Principal Architects, RAs
Dane Bunton + Nas Mousavi, Founders of Studio BANAA, Principal Architects, RAs
Design Team at California BrainWaves
Studio BANAA is run by Dane and Nas. Dane, a San Francisco local by birth, and Nastaran, a Northern Iranian expat who grew up surrounded by mountains and the Caspian Sea. They met in architecture school and bonded over a shared love of everything in their right brains: art, design, craft. It was at this point the pair—with two different life journeys, and many different perspectives—united as architects and designers. They still hold some common interests: staring at buildings, absorbing art, being in nature, meeting new clients, throwing dinner parties full of Persian food. But their differences are what keep things interesting.
Dane—who studied business and economics before moving into the world of architecture—likes pondering future cities, the business of architecture (or the business of anything, really), and the craft of architectural drawing. Whereas Nas can more often be found delving into the study of villages and micro communities, resilient structures and materials, biomimicry and ecological architecture.
While their right brains are aligned, their left brains are always thinking differently. So when they come together, they can question, inspire and challenge each other to think deeper. To collaborate. And to explore new ground.
Dane's dad owns and operates Bay Area senior living facilities, and his grandfather passed away from complications related to a traumatic brain injury.
Jeff Barrett, Founder of Jeff Barrett Studio, Architect, LEED AP
Jeff Barrett, Founder of Jeff Barrett Studio, Architect, LEED AP
Design Team at California BrainWaves
Registered Architect – California Lic.# C-37499
NCARB Certificate # 99043
Leed Accredited Professional
Jeff is the founding principal and owner of Jeff Barrett Studio. His innovative and forward-looking approach to design is unique in his pursuit to connect the outside natural environment with the building structures which has distinguished him as a leading Architect today. His design insight stems from a passion related to progressing the interconnection of people and places through ecological and technological solutions.
Jeff and the Studio’s design process is centered on collaboration inside and outside traditional design fields and has been developed through a variety of current and previous experiences which has resulted in a diverse body of work.
Notable project experience includes:
Netflix Corporate Campus
VMware Corporate Campus
Palo Alto Mitchell Park Library and Community Center – LEED Platinum
West Sacramento Community Center – LEED Gold
Walnut Creek Library – LEED Gold
San Leandro Senior Center – LEED Gold
Monterey Bay Aquarium
San Francisco Eco Center at Herons Head Park
Jeff's young daughter has seizures. His aunt has severe Autism and has been in RTPs most of her life.
Chef Mallyon, Owner of The Chill Factory
Chef Mallyon, Owner of The Chill Factory
Event Caterer at California BrainWaves
Chef Mallyon delights guests with yummy soulful treats. 5 Stars on Yelp for: large portions, fresh ingredients. creative menu, great value! Follow his ever-changing menu on Instagram!
For California BrainWaves, Chef Mallyon is preparing a select menu for neuro-diet needs, Sensory Processing Disorder issues, plant-based meals.